Ransom.Cryptomix

Short bio

Ransom.Cryptomix is a ransomware application that will encrypt files on a victim machine and demand payment to retrieve the information. The name Cryptomix is a combination of two separate ransomware families CryptXXX and CryptoWall and has been given this name due to similarities between the families. Ransom.Cryptomix was first spotted on March 2016 via malicious spam campaigns and exploit kits, such as Nuclear, Neutrino, and RIG.

Symptoms

Ransom.Cryptomix may run silently in the background during the encryption phase and not provide any indication of infection to the user. Ransom.Cryptomix may prevent the execution of Antivirus programs and other Microsoft Windows security features and may prevent system restoration as a means to solicit payment. Ransom.Cryptomix may display a warning after successful encryption of the victim machine.

Type and source of infection

Ransom.Cryptomix may be distributed using various methods. This software may be packaged with free online software, or could be disguised as a harmless program and distributed by email. Alternatively, this software may be installed by websites using software vulnerabilities. Infections that occur in this manner are usually silent and happen without user knowledge or consent.

Aftermath

Systems affected by ransomware are rendered unusable due to files that are typically used for regular operations being encrypted.

Affected users who choose to pay the threat actors behind ransomware campaigns in exchange for access to data may find that they don’t get their files back. There is also no sure way to know that threat actors will honor their end of the deal after paying the ransom.

Affected users who chose to pay the threat actors may also find themselves likely targets for future ransomware campaigns.

Data held hostage that wasn’t given back to users or deleted after the ransom has been paid can be used by threat actors either to (a) sell on the black market or (b) create a profile of the user they can use for fraud.

Protection

Malwarebytes protects users from the installation of Ransom.Cryptomix.

Remediation

Malwarebytes can detect and remove Ransom.Cryptomix without further user interaction.